Restoration Primer: Assessing Surface Decay in Structural Timbers

In a 1760s timber-framed house I
recently worked on, the first floor
structural framing had a common
problem: Nearly all of the first-floor
framing members had seriously deteriorated.
Surface fungal decay and
insect damage were
typical on most joists and girders.
But while this damage was
widespread, the framing members
still had substantial strength.
Condition Assessment
The owner wanted us to assess the
situation Ñ to make sure the deterioration
had stopped and that the
framing members were still strong
enough to carry their loads. He
expressed a strong sense of stewardship
in caring for this historic
building. He wanted to be sure that
any action we took now would have
a positive effect 100 years or more
into the future.
Avoid the